Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a late winner against Belgium, sending Spain into a World Cup semi-final against France. Belgium were left to rue the absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Key facts
- Mikel Merino scored a late winner to beat Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final in Los Angeles.
- Merino was introduced as a substitute on 85.32 and scored on 87.28.
- Spain will face France in the semi-final in Dallas next week.
- Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois watched from the bench due to injury.
- Substitute keeper Senne Lammers dropped a shot from Pau Cubarsi that led to the goal.
Mikel Merino once again produced a decisive late moment as Spain edged Belgium to reach the World Cup semi-finals, according to the Guardian. The midfielder, brought on as a substitute with the game finely balanced, pounced on a loose ball to settle a tight contest in Los Angeles.
Merino was introduced on 85.32 with Spain struggling to break down a resolute Belgian side, the Guardian reported. Just under two minutes later, on 87.28, he was the most alert player on the pitch, reacting quickest to a loose ball to send his team through.
The goal followed a fumble by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammers, who dropped a shot from Pau Cubarsi at his feet. That error allowed Merino to convert and spark wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.
The Guardian noted that Belgium were left to rue the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was forced to watch from the bench and might have prevented the decisive moment. Lammers could only look on after his mistake proved costly.
For Merino, it continued a remarkable run of important late goals. The Guardian described it as part of a personal hat-trick of dramatic moments, having previously scored late to take Spain into a European Championship semi-final two years ago and a World Cup quarter-final four days earlier.
Merino marked the goal with a celebration in honour of his father, the Guardian reported. Spain’s victory sets up a semi-final meeting with France in Dallas next week.
Why it matters
Spain's late win keeps one of international football's leading sides on course for a World Cup final and sets up a high-profile semi-final against France. Belgium's exit, tied to a goalkeeping change forced by Courtois's injury, underlines how fine the margins are at the tournament's business end.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored the winning goal for Spain against Belgium?
Substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner, pouncing on a loose ball on 87.28 after coming on as a substitute on 85.32, according to the Guardian.
Who will Spain play in the semi-final?
Spain will face France in the semi-final in Dallas next week, according to the Guardian.
Why didn't Thibaut Courtois play for Belgium?
Courtois was injured and watched from the bench, with substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammers playing instead. The Guardian reported Courtois might have prevented the decisive goal.